US20130314865A1 - Power supply apparatus and modular power connecting method thereof - Google Patents
Power supply apparatus and modular power connecting method thereof Download PDFInfo
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- US20130314865A1 US20130314865A1 US13/523,408 US201213523408A US2013314865A1 US 20130314865 A1 US20130314865 A1 US 20130314865A1 US 201213523408 A US201213523408 A US 201213523408A US 2013314865 A1 US2013314865 A1 US 2013314865A1
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- power
- electronic device
- compartment
- power supply
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/183—Internal mounting support structures, e.g. for printed circuit boards, internal connecting means
- G06F1/188—Mounting of power supply units
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a power supply apparatus, and more particularly to a power supply apparatus with a universal and hot-swappable power module.
- the present invention relates to a modular power connecting method of the power supply apparatus.
- the power supply specifications are determined by the designers, but no united definitions and criteria are made. Moreover, since various power supply units and the whole electronic equipment are restricted by the size of the established space, it is necessary to customize the power supply units. That is, the specifications and sizes of the power supply units should be re-planned according to the established space. Consequently, the products of the power supply units in the market have diversified sizes. The process of re-designing the power supply units may increase time and cost about research, tooling and production. As known, the whole set of hard tooling is very expensive. Moreover, the product supply and the inventory management are suffered from burden and distress.
- a first object of the present invention provides a power supply apparatus and a power connecting method in order to eliminate the problems that the power supply units in the market have diversified sizes and the specifications and sizes of the power supply units should be re-planned according to the established space.
- the inventive power supply apparatus and power connecting method can reduce the fabricating time and cost and minimize the burden and distress of the product supply and the inventory management.
- a second object of the present invention provides a power supply apparatus and a power connecting method in order to determine the form factor of the power module according to the sizes of various electronic devices by statistical analysis and induction methods. In such way, a maximum number of power modules may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced.
- a third object of the present invention provides a power supply apparatus and a power connecting method in order to standardize the power modules and unify the size and the specification of the power modules according to the optimized form factor of the power module. Consequently, the product development cycle can be shortened and the power modules can be flexibly expanded and highly scalable.
- the power supply apparatus includes a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a plurality of power modules.
- the first electronic device includes a first compartment.
- the first compartment has a first width.
- the second electronic device includes a second compartment.
- the second compartment has a second width.
- Each of the power modules has a third width. The third width is determined according to the first width and the second width, so that a specified number of power modules are selectively accommodated within the first compartment or the second compartment.
- a modular power connecting method Firstly, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are provided.
- the first electronic device includes a first compartment, and the second electronic device includes a second compartment.
- the first compartment has a first width, and the second compartment has a second width.
- a plurality of power modules are provided, wherein each power module has a third width.
- the third width is determined according to the first width and the second width.
- a specified number of power modules may be selectively accommodated within the first compartment or the second compartment.
- a power supply apparatus in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply apparatus.
- the power supply apparatus includes an electronic device and at least one power module.
- the power module has a modularized width. The modularized width is determined according to the electronic device and other electronic devices, so that a specified number of power modules are permitted to be accommodated within the electronic device.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a power supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the first electronic device
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the second electronic device
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a power module used in the power supply apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of the power module of FIG. 4 and taken along another viewpoint;
- FIG. 6A schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the first electronic device
- FIG. 6B schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the second electronic device
- FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the relationship between the power module and the power distribution board of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a modular power connecting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 schematically illustrates multiple power modules installed in the second electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a power supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the power supply apparatus 1 may be included in a data processing system, an industrial computer system, a network communication system, an electronic telecommunication system, a medical system or an engineering control system.
- the power supply apparatus 1 at least comprises a first electronic device 2 or a second electronic device 3 and a plurality of power modules 4 .
- Each of the first electronic device 2 and the second electronic device 3 is installed in a desktop personal computer, a large-scale supercomputer, a data processing system, a network server, a data storage system, a router, a network switch, or the like.
- each of the first electronic device 2 and the second electronic device 3 may be installed in a rack cabinet.
- the first electronic device 2 has a first compartment 21 .
- the second electronic device 3 has a second compartment 31 .
- the first compartment 21 has a first width W 1
- the second compartment 31 has a second width W 2 .
- An example of the power module 4 includes but is not limited to a power supply unit.
- Each of the power modules 4 has a third width W 3 and a first height H 1 .
- the third width W 3 is an optimal width predetermined according to the first width W 1 and the second width W 2 . Consequently, a specified number of power modules 4 are selectively accommodated within the first compartment 21 or the second compartment 31 .
- the first electronic device 2 has a first chassis 20 having the first compartment 21 for accommodating a specified number of the power modules 4 .
- the first electronic device 2 may be an electronic device without a physical chassis.
- the second electronic device 3 has a second chassis 30 having the second compartment 31 for accommodating a specified number of the power modules 4 .
- the second electronic device 3 may be an electronic device without a physical chassis.
- each power module 4 has a case 40 having the third width W 3 , a first height H 1 and a length L.
- the third width W 3 of the case 40 is a standardized width across a plurality of different electronic devices so that a specified number of power modules 4 are permitted to be accommodated within one of the electronic devices.
- the first height H 1 and the length L of the power module 4 are also predetermined according to sizes of the allowable spaces of the electronic devices.
- two power modules 4 in a stack up arrangement are accommodated within the first compartment 21 of the first electronic device 2 in a hot-swappable manner.
- the two power modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are accommodated within the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 in a hot-swappable manner. Since the width of the power module 4 is adaptively determined according to the sizes of the various electronic devices and standardized across a plurality of electronic devices, the maximum number of power modules 4 may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced.
- the specified number is one, two, three, four, five or six.
- the specified number of power modules 4 accommodated within the first compartment 21 and the specified number of power modules 4 accommodated within the second compartment 31 may be identical or different.
- two power modules 4 e.g. 1+1 redundancy configuration
- four power modules 4 e.g. 3+1 redundancy configuration or 2+2 redundancy configuration
- six power modules 4 e.g. 5+1 redundancy configuration
- one power module 4 , three power modules 4 (e.g. 2+1 redundancy configuration) or five power modules 4 (e.g. 4+1 redundancy configuration) are accommodated within the first compartment 21 of the first electronic device 2 or the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 of the power supply apparatus 1 .
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the first electronic device.
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the second electronic device.
- the power modules 4 are modularized to be installed in the first electronic device 2 and the second electronic device 3 .
- the first electronic device 2 is applied to a standard 2U server S 1
- the second electronic device 3 is applied to a standard tower server S 2 .
- the first compartment 21 of the first electronic device 2 and the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 have respective dimensions.
- the power modules 4 are accommodated within the first compartment 21 of the first electronic device 2 and the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 in different arrangements or different stack forms.
- the power module 4 is a standardized power module with an optimal size of the third width W 3 , the power module 4 can be used as a universal and hot-swappable power module for various electronic devices. Moreover, since the power modules 4 have identical appearance and structural features, the size and the specification of the power modules 4 can be unified, the product development cycle can be shortened and the power modules can be flexibly expanded and highly scalable.
- Two power modules 4 are arranged side-by-side and installed in the second electronic device 3 . That is, the two power modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are accommodated within the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 .
- the second width W 2 of the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 is 150 mm.
- the gap width G is about 3 mm.
- the third width W 3 of the power module 4 is about 73.5 mm.
- the overall width of the two power modules 4 and the gap width G is 150 mm. That is, the overall width is equal to the second width W 2 of the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 . Consequently, the space utilization is effectively enhanced.
- the third width W 3 of the power module 4 may be standardized as the optimal width.
- the first height H 1 of the power module 4 may be standardized as the optimal height.
- the first height H 1 is in the range between 39 nm and 40 mm.
- the first height H 1 is 39 mm or 40 mm.
- the length L of the of the power module 4 may be standardized as the optimal length. The length L is perpendicular to the first height H 1 and the third width W 3 .
- the length L of the power module 4 is 185 mm.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a power module used in the power supply apparatus of the present invention.
- Each power module 4 comprises an electric connector 41 and a cooling element 43 .
- the electric connector 41 and the cooling element 43 are embedded in a first surface s of the power module 4 .
- the first surface s is perpendicular to a first sidewall sw 1 and a second sidewall sw 2 of the power module 4 .
- the electric connector 41 has a width W 41
- the cooling element 43 has a width W 43 .
- the first sidewall sw 1 and the second sidewall sw 2 have the same thickness t 1 .
- the third width W 3 of the power module 4 is greater than or equal to the sum of the width W 43 of the cooling element 43 , the width W 41 of the electric connector 41 , the thickness t 1 of the first sidewall sw 1 , the thickness t 1 of the second sidewall sw 2 , the overall gap width of adjacent components and the assembling tolerance. That is, the optimal width of the third width W 3 complies with the formula: W 3 ⁇ (W 41 +W 43 +t 1 +t 1 +overall gap width+assembling tolerance).
- the electric connector 41 of the power module 4 is a power socket for receiving the input voltage.
- the power module 4 further comprises a card-edge connector 42 for transmitting power and signals.
- the card-edge connector 42 matches a first mating connector 221 of a first power distribution board 22 of the first electronic device 2 and a second mating connector 321 of a second power distribution board 32 of the second electronic device 3 .
- the functions of outputting the power and controlling signals are achieved.
- the number and locations of the pins may be effectively allocated in order to achieve the purpose of the power supply unit.
- the power module 4 may be compatible to different kinds of output watts and input voltages.
- the power modules 4 may be arranged in various configurations.
- the power modules 4 can be arranged in an N+1 redundancy configuration, but it is not limited thereto.
- the cooling element 43 of the power module 4 is a fan.
- the cooling element 43 is located beside the electric connector 41 for removing heat.
- the cooling element 43 may be fixed on the power module 4 through metallic screws, plastic rivets or rubbery rivets in order to avoid generation of a resonance effect.
- the cooling element 43 is fixed on the power module 4 after a stimulation modal test is done.
- the power module 4 further comprises a metallic handle 44 for facilitating installing the first electronic device 2 or the second electronic device 3 in a hot-swappable manner.
- the metallic handle 44 is covered by a plastic shell (not shown).
- the color of the plastic shell may be selected according to the color of the power supply apparatus 1 . Since the plastic shell is made of an insulating material, the possibility of getting injury from the high temperature of the metallic material will be minimized.
- the metallic handle 44 is rotatable in order to facilitate the airflow to pass through.
- the power module 4 may further comprises a LED indicator 45 and a locking element 46 , which are located beside the electric connector 41 .
- the LED indicator 45 can emit light of two or more colors to indicate the operating statuses of the power module 4 .
- the locking element 46 is used for fixing the power module 4 within the electronic device. Once an electric plug (not shown) is connected with the electric connector 41 , the locking element 46 is hindered by the electric plug from being rotated in order to prevent detachment of the power module 4 .
- the power module 4 further comprises a fastening ring 47 and plural metallic elastic sheets 48 .
- the fastening ring 47 has a protrusion structure (not shown) inserted into a retaining hole (not shown) under the electric connector 41 for preventing detachment of the power cable (not shown).
- the metallic elastic sheets 48 are disposed on two opposite sides of the power module 4 for minimizing the influence of electromagnetic interference, thereby enhancing the power stability.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of the power module of FIG. 4 and taken along another viewpoint.
- FIG. 6A schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the first electronic device.
- FIG. 6B schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the second electronic device. Please refer to FIGS. 5 , 6 A and 6 B.
- the card-edge connector 42 of the power module 4 may be selectively connected with one of the first mating connector 221 of the first power distribution board 22 of the first electronic device 2 and the second mating connector 321 of the second power distribution board 32 of the second electronic device 3 .
- the altitude of the card-edge connector 42 may be adaptively adjusted according to the altitude of the first mating connector 221 of the first power distribution board 22 or the altitude of the second mating connector 321 of the second power distribution board 32 .
- the height h 1 of the card-edge connector 42 is in the range between 4 mm and 9 mm.
- the power module 4 comprises a positioning recess 49 for assisting in positioning the power module in a foolproof manner and facilitating installing the power module 4 .
- FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the relationship between the power module and the power distribution board of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 7 .
- the input terminals of the first power distribution board 22 and the second power distribution board 32 are dependent on the number of the power modules 4 .
- vertical terminals or horizontal terminals may be selectively used. Consequently, the electric energy may be transmitted from the first power distribution board 22 or the second power distribution board 32 to the system circuit board and the internal components of the electronic equipment (not shown in FIGS.
- the power module 4 is configured to blind mate with a system circuit board of the electronic equipment directly so that a specified number of the power modules 4 are permitted to be accommodated within the electronic equipment (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 ).
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a modular power connecting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 8 .
- the modular power connecting method comprises the following steps. Firstly, in the step S 100 , a first electronic device 2 and a second electronic device 3 are provided.
- the first electronic device 2 comprises a first compartment 21
- the second electronic device 3 comprises a second compartment 31 .
- the first compartment 21 has a first width W 1
- the second compartment 31 has a second width W 2 .
- plural power modules 4 are provided.
- Each power module 4 has a third width W 3 .
- the third width W 3 is determined according to the first width W 1 and the second width W 2 .
- a specified number of power modules 4 are selectively accommodated within the first compartment 21 or the second compartment 31 .
- the third width W 3 is determined according to the first width W 1 of the first compartment 21 of the first electronic device 2 and the second width W 2 of the second compartment 31 of the second electronic device 3 .
- the minimum value of the third width W 3 is permitted to accommodate the cooling element 43 and the electric connector 41 .
- the sum of the thickness t 1 of the first sidewall sw 1 , the thickness t 1 of the second sidewall sw 2 , the overall gap width of adjacent components and the assembling tolerance should be greater than or equal to 69 mm. That is, the third width W 3 of the power module 4 is greater than or equal to 69 mm.
- a first integral multiple m of the third width W 3 is smaller or equal to the first width W 1 and a second integral multiple n of the third width W 3 is smaller or equal to the second width W 2 . That is, m ⁇ W 3 ⁇ W 1 , and n ⁇ W 3 ⁇ W 2 .
- the gap width G between every two adjacent power modules 4 is taken into consideration, the sum of m multiple of the third width W 3 and (m ⁇ 1) multiple of the gap width G is smaller than or equal to the first width W 1 , and the sum of n multiple of the third width W 3 and (n ⁇ 1) multiple of the gap width G is smaller than or equal to the second width W 2 . That is, the m ⁇ W 3 +G ⁇ (m ⁇ 1) ⁇ W 1 , and n ⁇ W 3 +G ⁇ (n ⁇ 1) ⁇ W 2 .
- the gap width G is at least 3 mm.
- the allowable width of the first electronic device 2 or the second electronic device 3 that uses the power modules 4 with output power of 460 watts, 800 watts, 1200 watts, 1600 watts and 2000 watts should be taken into consideration. That is, each of the first width W 1 of the first electronic device 2 and the second width W 2 of the second electronic device 3 is 106 mm (EPS1U), 108 mm (EPS2U), 150 mm (ERP2U), 123.5 mm (DPS48V) or 450 mm (SSI 19′′ Rack cabinet). According to a mathematical model, the optimal width is obtained.
- the calculation results show that the optimal third width W 3 is about 73.5 mm, the gap width between every two adjacent power modules 4 is about 3 mm, and the specified number is one, two, three, four, five or six. Under this circumstance, the maximum number of power modules 4 may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced.
- the item (2 ⁇ 0.8 mm) denotes the sum of the thickness t 1 of the first sidewall sw 1 and the thickness t 1 of the second sidewall sw 2 ;
- the item 40 mm denotes the width W 43 of the cooling element 43 ;
- the item 24 mm denotes the width W 41 of the electric connector 41 ;
- the item 3.4 mm denotes the overall gap width of adjacent components and the assembling tolerance.
- the optimal third width W 3 of the power module 4 is 73.5 mm
- the assembling tolerance of two adjacent power modules is 0.5 mm
- the gap width G is 3 mm
- the minimum thickness t 2 of the sidewall of the electronic device is 0.8 mm.
- the minimum width CW of the electronic device 2 is about 75.6 mm.
- q power modules in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in the electronic device. According to a mathematical model, the minimum width CW of the electronic device may be obtained.
- the minimum width CW of the electronic device 3 is about 152.6 mm. In a case that three power modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in the electronic device 3 , the minimum width CW of the electronic device 3 is about 229.6 mm. In a case that four power modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in the electronic device 3 , the minimum width CW of the electronic device 3 is about 306.6 mm. In a case that five power modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in the electronic device 3 , the minimum width CW of the electronic device 3 is about 383.6 mm. In a case that six power modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in the electronic device 3 , the minimum width CW of the electronic device 3 is about 460.6 mm.
- the rest may be deduced by analogy.
- FIG. 9 schematically illustrates multiple power modules installed in the second electronic device 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 9 . If the second electronic device 3 is rotated by 90 degrees, the second electronic device 3 is upright. Meanwhile, the width of the second compartment 31 is equal to a fourth width W 4 . In accordance with the present invention, the fourth width W 4 is smaller than or equal to 40.5 mm. Under this circumstance, the second electronic device 3 may be installed in a lateral space or a rear space of a rack cabinet 5 in a zero-U vertical arrangement.
- a 42U-height standard rack cabinet 5 conforming to the EIA-310 (Electronic Industries Alliance) specifications may be employed.
- the rack cabinet 5 has a 19-in rack-mount electronic equipment 6 (e.g. a network server or a network switch).
- the second electronic device 3 has a second height H 2 , which is equal to the original minimum width CW of the second electronic device 3 . Since the third width W 3 of the power module 4 is about 73.5 mm, if six power modules 4 are used, the second height H 2 of the second electronic device 3 is about 460.6 mm according to the above analyzing results.
- the second height H 2 is smaller than or equal to 466 mm, it is found that at most six power modules 4 may be accommodated within the rack cabinet 5 .
- the second electronic device 3 may be selectively in a horizontal 1U arrangement or a zero-U vertical arrangement to meet the user's requirements according to the optimal dimension of the third width W 3 and the first height H 1 . Consequently, the space utilization of the rack cabinet is enhanced.
- four sets of power supply apparatuses 7 in a 5+1 redundancy configuration may be assembled for super power. That is, at most twenty four power modules 4 can be simultaneously accommodated within the rack cabinet 5 .
- the present invention provides a universal power supply apparatus and a power connecting method thereof.
- the form factor of the power module can be determined according to the sizes of the compartments of various electronic devices. In such way, a maximum number of power modules may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced.
- the power modules are standardized across a plurality of different electronic devices and the size and the specification of the power modules are unified, the product development cycle can be shortened and the power modules can be flexibly expanded and highly scalable.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a power supply apparatus, and more particularly to a power supply apparatus with a universal and hot-swappable power module. The present invention relates to a modular power connecting method of the power supply apparatus.
- Recently, with increasing development of industrial technologies and science, the human lives are closely correlated with electronic products. For example, in the computer, network, telecommunication, medical and automation industries, a large number of electronic equipments are employed to enhance the living quality and medical standards of the modern people. Consequently, various power supply apparatuses are designed to comply with many applications and provide electric energy for various electronic equipments.
- Recently, the general trends in designing electronic products are toward small size, light weightiness, environmental protection and power-saving efficacy. Consequently, the power supply apparatuses for various electronic equipments are designed to have high power density and high power efficiency. Nowadays, for designing associated products, the industry has developed a traditional power supply standard to cover the power supply specifications, the power distribution system specifications, the rack cabinet specifications and the cooling system specifications.
- In the conventional power supply standard, the power supply specifications are determined by the designers, but no united definitions and criteria are made. Moreover, since various power supply units and the whole electronic equipment are restricted by the size of the established space, it is necessary to customize the power supply units. That is, the specifications and sizes of the power supply units should be re-planned according to the established space. Consequently, the products of the power supply units in the market have diversified sizes. The process of re-designing the power supply units may increase time and cost about research, tooling and production. As known, the whole set of hard tooling is very expensive. Moreover, the product supply and the inventory management are suffered from burden and distress.
- Therefore, there is a need of providing a power supply apparatus and a power connecting method in order to eliminate the problems encountered from the prior art.
- A first object of the present invention provides a power supply apparatus and a power connecting method in order to eliminate the problems that the power supply units in the market have diversified sizes and the specifications and sizes of the power supply units should be re-planned according to the established space. The inventive power supply apparatus and power connecting method can reduce the fabricating time and cost and minimize the burden and distress of the product supply and the inventory management.
- A second object of the present invention provides a power supply apparatus and a power connecting method in order to determine the form factor of the power module according to the sizes of various electronic devices by statistical analysis and induction methods. In such way, a maximum number of power modules may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced.
- A third object of the present invention provides a power supply apparatus and a power connecting method in order to standardize the power modules and unify the size and the specification of the power modules according to the optimized form factor of the power module. Consequently, the product development cycle can be shortened and the power modules can be flexibly expanded and highly scalable.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply apparatus. The power supply apparatus includes a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a plurality of power modules. The first electronic device includes a first compartment. The first compartment has a first width. The second electronic device includes a second compartment. The second compartment has a second width. Each of the power modules has a third width. The third width is determined according to the first width and the second width, so that a specified number of power modules are selectively accommodated within the first compartment or the second compartment.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular power connecting method. Firstly, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are provided. The first electronic device includes a first compartment, and the second electronic device includes a second compartment. The first compartment has a first width, and the second compartment has a second width. Then, a plurality of power modules are provided, wherein each power module has a third width. The third width is determined according to the first width and the second width. Afterwards, a specified number of power modules may be selectively accommodated within the first compartment or the second compartment.
- In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply apparatus. The power supply apparatus includes an electronic device and at least one power module. The power module has a modularized width. The modularized width is determined according to the electronic device and other electronic devices, so that a specified number of power modules are permitted to be accommodated within the electronic device.
- The above contents of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a power supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the first electronic device; -
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the second electronic device; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a power module used in the power supply apparatus of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of the power module ofFIG. 4 and taken along another viewpoint; -
FIG. 6A schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the first electronic device; -
FIG. 6B schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the second electronic device; -
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the relationship between the power module and the power distribution board of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a modular power connecting method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates multiple power modules installed in the second electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a power supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thepower supply apparatus 1 may be included in a data processing system, an industrial computer system, a network communication system, an electronic telecommunication system, a medical system or an engineering control system. As shown inFIG. 1 , thepower supply apparatus 1 at least comprises a firstelectronic device 2 or a secondelectronic device 3 and a plurality ofpower modules 4. Each of the firstelectronic device 2 and the secondelectronic device 3 is installed in a desktop personal computer, a large-scale supercomputer, a data processing system, a network server, a data storage system, a router, a network switch, or the like. Alternatively, each of the firstelectronic device 2 and the secondelectronic device 3 may be installed in a rack cabinet. - Please refer to
FIG. 1 again. The firstelectronic device 2 has afirst compartment 21. The secondelectronic device 3 has asecond compartment 31. In some embodiments, thefirst compartment 21 has a first width W1, and thesecond compartment 31 has a second width W2. An example of thepower module 4 includes but is not limited to a power supply unit. Each of thepower modules 4 has a third width W3 and a first height H1. The third width W3 is an optimal width predetermined according to the first width W1 and the second width W2. Consequently, a specified number ofpower modules 4 are selectively accommodated within thefirst compartment 21 or thesecond compartment 31. - Preferably, the first
electronic device 2 has afirst chassis 20 having thefirst compartment 21 for accommodating a specified number of thepower modules 4. Alternatively, the firstelectronic device 2 may be an electronic device without a physical chassis. Preferably, the secondelectronic device 3 has asecond chassis 30 having thesecond compartment 31 for accommodating a specified number of thepower modules 4. Alternatively, the secondelectronic device 3 may be an electronic device without a physical chassis. In an embodiment, eachpower module 4 has acase 40 having the third width W3, a first height H1 and a length L. The third width W3 of thecase 40 is a standardized width across a plurality of different electronic devices so that a specified number ofpower modules 4 are permitted to be accommodated within one of the electronic devices. The first height H1 and the length L of thepower module 4 are also predetermined according to sizes of the allowable spaces of the electronic devices. - In this embodiment, two
power modules 4 in a stack up arrangement are accommodated within thefirst compartment 21 of the firstelectronic device 2 in a hot-swappable manner. The twopower modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are accommodated within thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3 in a hot-swappable manner. Since the width of thepower module 4 is adaptively determined according to the sizes of the various electronic devices and standardized across a plurality of electronic devices, the maximum number ofpower modules 4 may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced. - In accordance with the present invention, the specified number is one, two, three, four, five or six. Furthermore, the specified number of
power modules 4 accommodated within thefirst compartment 21 and the specified number ofpower modules 4 accommodated within thesecond compartment 31 may be identical or different. In an embodiment, two power modules 4 (e.g. 1+1 redundancy configuration), four power modules 4 (e.g. 3+1 redundancy configuration or 2+2 redundancy configuration) or six power modules 4 (e.g. 5+1 redundancy configuration) are accommodated within thefirst compartment 21 of the firstelectronic device 2 or thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3 of thepower supply apparatus 1. Alternatively, onepower module 4, three power modules 4 (e.g. 2+1 redundancy configuration) or five power modules 4 (e.g. 4+1 redundancy configuration) are accommodated within thefirst compartment 21 of the firstelectronic device 2 or thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3 of thepower supply apparatus 1. -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the first electronic device.FIG. 3 schematically illustrates two power modules installed in the second electronic device. Thepower modules 4 are modularized to be installed in the firstelectronic device 2 and the secondelectronic device 3. In this embodiment, the firstelectronic device 2 is applied to a standard 2U server S1, and the secondelectronic device 3 is applied to a standard tower server S2. Thefirst compartment 21 of the firstelectronic device 2 and thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3 have respective dimensions. Thepower modules 4 are accommodated within thefirst compartment 21 of the firstelectronic device 2 and thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3 in different arrangements or different stack forms. From the above discussions, thepower module 4 is a standardized power module with an optimal size of the third width W3, thepower module 4 can be used as a universal and hot-swappable power module for various electronic devices. Moreover, since thepower modules 4 have identical appearance and structural features, the size and the specification of thepower modules 4 can be unified, the product development cycle can be shortened and the power modules can be flexibly expanded and highly scalable. - Please refer to
FIGS. 1 and 3 again. Twopower modules 4 are arranged side-by-side and installed in the secondelectronic device 3. That is, the twopower modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are accommodated within thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3. For example, the second width W2 of thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3 is 150 mm. There is a gap width G between these twopower modules 4. For example, the gap width G is about 3 mm. The third width W3 of thepower module 4 is about 73.5 mm. The overall width of the twopower modules 4 and the gap width G is 150 mm. That is, the overall width is equal to the second width W2 of thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3. Consequently, the space utilization is effectively enhanced. In this embodiment, the third width W3 of thepower module 4 may be standardized as the optimal width. Furthermore, the first height H1 of thepower module 4 may be standardized as the optimal height. For example, the first height H1 is in the range between 39 nm and 40 mm. Preferably, the first height H1 is 39 mm or 40 mm. Furthermore, the length L of the of thepower module 4 may be standardized as the optimal length. The length L is perpendicular to the first height H1 and the third width W3. For example, the length L of thepower module 4 is 185 mm. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a power module used in the power supply apparatus of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 3 and 4 . Eachpower module 4 comprises anelectric connector 41 and acooling element 43. Theelectric connector 41 and thecooling element 43 are embedded in a first surface s of thepower module 4. The first surface s is perpendicular to a first sidewall sw1 and a second sidewall sw2 of thepower module 4. Theelectric connector 41 has a width W41, and thecooling element 43 has a width W43. The first sidewall sw1 and the second sidewall sw2 have the same thickness t1. In some embodiments, the third width W3 of thepower module 4 is greater than or equal to the sum of the width W43 of thecooling element 43, the width W41 of theelectric connector 41, the thickness t1 of the first sidewall sw1, the thickness t1 of the second sidewall sw2, the overall gap width of adjacent components and the assembling tolerance. That is, the optimal width of the third width W3 complies with the formula: W3≧(W41+W43+t1+t1+overall gap width+assembling tolerance). - Please refer to
FIGS. 1 and 4 . Theelectric connector 41 of thepower module 4 is a power socket for receiving the input voltage. Moreover, thepower module 4 further comprises a card-edge connector 42 for transmitting power and signals. The card-edge connector 42 matches afirst mating connector 221 of a firstpower distribution board 22 of the firstelectronic device 2 and asecond mating connector 321 of a secondpower distribution board 32 of the secondelectronic device 3. After the card-edge connector 42 is connected with thefirst mating connector 221 or thesecond mating connector 321, the functions of outputting the power and controlling signals are achieved. Moreover, the number and locations of the pins may be effectively allocated in order to achieve the purpose of the power supply unit. In some embodiments, thepower module 4 may be compatible to different kinds of output watts and input voltages. In a case that thepower modules 4 are installed in a large server computer system, the power modules may be arranged in various configurations. For example, thepower modules 4 can be arranged in an N+1 redundancy configuration, but it is not limited thereto. - In some embodiments, the
cooling element 43 of thepower module 4 is a fan. Thecooling element 43 is located beside theelectric connector 41 for removing heat. Moreover, thecooling element 43 may be fixed on thepower module 4 through metallic screws, plastic rivets or rubbery rivets in order to avoid generation of a resonance effect. Moreover, thecooling element 43 is fixed on thepower module 4 after a stimulation modal test is done. In some embodiments, thepower module 4 further comprises ametallic handle 44 for facilitating installing the firstelectronic device 2 or the secondelectronic device 3 in a hot-swappable manner. Themetallic handle 44 is covered by a plastic shell (not shown). The color of the plastic shell may be selected according to the color of thepower supply apparatus 1. Since the plastic shell is made of an insulating material, the possibility of getting injury from the high temperature of the metallic material will be minimized. Moreover, themetallic handle 44 is rotatable in order to facilitate the airflow to pass through. - Furthermore, the
power module 4 may further comprises aLED indicator 45 and a lockingelement 46, which are located beside theelectric connector 41. TheLED indicator 45 can emit light of two or more colors to indicate the operating statuses of thepower module 4. The lockingelement 46 is used for fixing thepower module 4 within the electronic device. Once an electric plug (not shown) is connected with theelectric connector 41, the lockingelement 46 is hindered by the electric plug from being rotated in order to prevent detachment of thepower module 4. - For enhancing safety and stability, the
power module 4 further comprises afastening ring 47 and plural metallicelastic sheets 48. Thefastening ring 47 has a protrusion structure (not shown) inserted into a retaining hole (not shown) under theelectric connector 41 for preventing detachment of the power cable (not shown). The metallicelastic sheets 48 are disposed on two opposite sides of thepower module 4 for minimizing the influence of electromagnetic interference, thereby enhancing the power stability. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of the power module ofFIG. 4 and taken along another viewpoint.FIG. 6A schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the first electronic device.FIG. 6B schematically illustrates the connection between the power module and the second electronic device. Please refer toFIGS. 5 , 6A and 6B. The card-edge connector 42 of thepower module 4 may be selectively connected with one of thefirst mating connector 221 of the firstpower distribution board 22 of the firstelectronic device 2 and thesecond mating connector 321 of the secondpower distribution board 32 of the secondelectronic device 3. The altitude of the card-edge connector 42 may be adaptively adjusted according to the altitude of thefirst mating connector 221 of the firstpower distribution board 22 or the altitude of thesecond mating connector 321 of the secondpower distribution board 32. Preferably, the height h1 of the card-edge connector 42 is in the range between 4 mm and 9 mm. Moreover, thepower module 4 comprises apositioning recess 49 for assisting in positioning the power module in a foolproof manner and facilitating installing thepower module 4. -
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the relationship between the power module and the power distribution board of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 1 and 7 . For allowing thepower modules 4 to be connected with the firstpower distribution board 22 of the firstelectronic device 2 or thesecond mating connector 321 of the secondpower distribution board 32 of the secondelectronic device 3, the input terminals of the firstpower distribution board 22 and the secondpower distribution board 32 are dependent on the number of thepower modules 4. Moreover, according to the practical requirements, vertical terminals or horizontal terminals may be selectively used. Consequently, the electric energy may be transmitted from the firstpower distribution board 22 or the secondpower distribution board 32 to the system circuit board and the internal components of the electronic equipment (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 7 ) through a corresponding wire. In an embodiment, thepower module 4 is configured to blind mate with a system circuit board of the electronic equipment directly so that a specified number of thepower modules 4 are permitted to be accommodated within the electronic equipment (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 7 ). -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a modular power connecting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 1 and 8 . The modular power connecting method comprises the following steps. Firstly, in the step S100, a firstelectronic device 2 and a secondelectronic device 3 are provided. The firstelectronic device 2 comprises afirst compartment 21, and the secondelectronic device 3 comprises asecond compartment 31. Thefirst compartment 21 has a first width W1, and thesecond compartment 31 has a second width W2. Then, in the step S200,plural power modules 4 are provided. Eachpower module 4 has a third width W3. The third width W3 is determined according to the first width W1 and the second width W2. Afterwards, in the step S300, a specified number ofpower modules 4 are selectively accommodated within thefirst compartment 21 or thesecond compartment 31. - Please refer to
FIGS. 1 , 3, 4 and 8. In the step S200, the third width W3 is determined according to the first width W1 of thefirst compartment 21 of the firstelectronic device 2 and the second width W2 of thesecond compartment 31 of the secondelectronic device 3. In accordance with the present invention, the minimum value of the third width W3 is permitted to accommodate thecooling element 43 and theelectric connector 41. Moreover, the sum of the thickness t1 of the first sidewall sw1, the thickness t1 of the second sidewall sw2, the overall gap width of adjacent components and the assembling tolerance should be greater than or equal to 69 mm. That is, the third width W3 of thepower module 4 is greater than or equal to 69 mm. For allowing the maximum number of power modules to be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices, a first integral multiple m of the third width W3 is smaller or equal to the first width W1 and a second integral multiple n of the third width W3 is smaller or equal to the second width W2. That is, m×W3≦W1, and n×W3≦W2. Moreover, when the gap width G between every twoadjacent power modules 4 is taken into consideration, the sum of m multiple of the third width W3 and (m−1) multiple of the gap width G is smaller than or equal to the first width W1, and the sum of n multiple of the third width W3 and (n−1) multiple of the gap width G is smaller than or equal to the second width W2. That is, the m×W3+G×(m−1)≦W1, and n×W3+G×(n−1)≦W2. - In some embodiments, the gap width G is at least 3 mm. Moreover, the allowable width of the first
electronic device 2 or the secondelectronic device 3 that uses thepower modules 4 with output power of 460 watts, 800 watts, 1200 watts, 1600 watts and 2000 watts should be taken into consideration. That is, each of the first width W1 of the firstelectronic device 2 and the second width W2 of the secondelectronic device 3 is 106 mm (EPS1U), 108 mm (EPS2U), 150 mm (ERP2U), 123.5 mm (DPS48V) or 450 mm (SSI 19″ Rack cabinet). According to a mathematical model, the optimal width is obtained. Based on the intersection, the calculation results show that the optimal third width W3 is about 73.5 mm, the gap width between every twoadjacent power modules 4 is about 3 mm, and the specified number is one, two, three, four, five or six. Under this circumstance, the maximum number ofpower modules 4 may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced. - A method of obtaining the optimal third width W3 will be illustrated in more details as follows.
- In the limiting condition (a), the minimum third width W3 is obtained. That is, W3≧(2×0.8 mm)+40 mm+24 mm+3.4 mm=69 mm. In this formula, the item (2×0.8 mm) denotes the sum of the thickness t1 of the first sidewall sw1 and the thickness t1 of the second sidewall sw2; the
item 40 mm denotes the width W43 of thecooling element 43; the item 24 mm denotes the width W41 of theelectric connector 41; and the item 3.4 mm denotes the overall gap width of adjacent components and the assembling tolerance. - In the limiting condition (b), the maximum third width W3 is obtained. That is, W3×1+G×(1−1)=W3≦106 mm.
- In the limiting condition (c), the maximum third width W3 is obtained. That is, W3×1+G×(1−1)=W3≦108 mm.
- In the limiting condition (d), the maximum third width W3 is obtained. That is, W3×2+G×(2−1)=W3×2+3 mm≦150 mm. Consequently, W3≦147 mm÷2=73.5 mm.
- In the limiting condition (e), the maximum third width W3 is obtained. That is, W3×1+G×(1−1)=W3≦123.5 mm.
- In the limiting condition (f), the maximum third width W3 is obtained. That is, W3×5+G×(5−1)=W3×5+12 mm≦450 mm. Consequently, W3≦438 mm÷5=87.6 mm.
- Furthermore, if
more power modules 4 are employed, the outer size of the electronic device should be taken into consideration in order to comply with the internal space limitation of the rack cabinet. In this embodiment, the optimal third width W3 of thepower module 4 is 73.5 mm, the assembling tolerance of two adjacent power modules is 0.5 mm, the gap width G is 3 mm, and the minimum thickness t2 of the sidewall of the electronic device is 0.8 mm. In a case thatplural power modules 4 in a stack up arrangement are installed in theelectronic device 2, the minimum width CW of theelectronic device 2 is about 75.6 mm. In addition, q power modules in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in the electronic device. According to a mathematical model, the minimum width CW of the electronic device may be obtained. In a case that twopower modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW of theelectronic device 3 is about 152.6 mm. In a case that threepower modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW of theelectronic device 3 is about 229.6 mm. In a case that fourpower modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW of theelectronic device 3 is about 306.6 mm. In a case that fivepower modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW of theelectronic device 3 is about 383.6 mm. In a case that sixpower modules 4 in a side-by-side arrangement are installed in theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW of theelectronic device 3 is about 460.6 mm. - The above data are obtained according to the formula: the minimum CW value=(W3+0.5)×q+G×(q−1)+t2×2.
- In a case that
plural power modules 4 are in a stack up arrangement, the minimum value of the first width W1=W3+0.5=74 mm. For theelectronic device 2, the minimum width CW=W1+0.8×2=75.6 mm. In a case that twopower modules 4 are in a side-by-side arrangement (q=2), the minimum value of the second width W2=(W3+0.5)×2+3=151 mm. For theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW=W2+0.8×2=152.6 mm. In a case that threepower modules 4 are in a side-by-side arrangement (q=3), the minimum value of the second width W2=(W3+0.5)×3+3×2=228 mm. For theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW=W2+0.8×2=229.6 mm. In a case that fourpower modules 4 are in a side-by-side arrangement (q=4), the minimum value of the second width W2=(W3+0.5)×4+3×3=305 mm. For theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW=W2+0.8×2=306.6 mm. In a case that fivepower modules 4 are in a side-by-side arrangement (q=5), the minimum value of the second width W2=(W3+0.5)×5+3×4=382 mm. For theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW=W2+0.8×2=383.6 mm. In a case that sixpower modules 4 are in a side-by-side arrangement (q=6), the minimum value of the second width W2=(W3+0.5)×6+3×5=459 mm. For theelectronic device 3, the minimum width CW=W2+0.8×2=460.6 mm. Similarly, if more than sixpower modules 4 are in a side-by-side arrangement (q>6), the rest may be deduced by analogy. - According to the above analyzing results, another power supply apparatus will be illustrated with reference to
FIG. 9 .FIG. 9 schematically illustrates multiple power modules installed in the secondelectronic device 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 1 and 9 . If the secondelectronic device 3 is rotated by 90 degrees, the secondelectronic device 3 is upright. Meanwhile, the width of thesecond compartment 31 is equal to a fourth width W4. In accordance with the present invention, the fourth width W4 is smaller than or equal to 40.5 mm. Under this circumstance, the secondelectronic device 3 may be installed in a lateral space or a rear space of arack cabinet 5 in a zero-U vertical arrangement. In a practical application example of the zero-U vertical arrangement, a 42U-heightstandard rack cabinet 5 conforming to the EIA-310 (Electronic Industries Alliance) specifications may be employed. Therack cabinet 5 has a 19-in rack-mount electronic equipment 6 (e.g. a network server or a network switch). Moreover, as shown inFIG. 9 , the secondelectronic device 3 has a second height H2, which is equal to the original minimum width CW of the secondelectronic device 3. Since the third width W3 of thepower module 4 is about 73.5 mm, if sixpower modules 4 are used, the second height H2 of the secondelectronic device 3 is about 460.6 mm according to the above analyzing results. Since the second height H2 is smaller than or equal to 466 mm, it is found that at most sixpower modules 4 may be accommodated within therack cabinet 5. From the above discussions, the secondelectronic device 3 may be selectively in a horizontal 1U arrangement or a zero-U vertical arrangement to meet the user's requirements according to the optimal dimension of the third width W3 and the first height H1. Consequently, the space utilization of the rack cabinet is enhanced. For the 42U-heightstandard rack cabinet 5, four sets of power supply apparatuses 7 in a 5+1 redundancy configuration may be assembled for super power. That is, at most twenty fourpower modules 4 can be simultaneously accommodated within therack cabinet 5. - From the above description, the present invention provides a universal power supply apparatus and a power connecting method thereof. The form factor of the power module can be determined according to the sizes of the compartments of various electronic devices. In such way, a maximum number of power modules may be installed in an identical electronic device or different electronic devices. Consequently, the space utilization will be enhanced, and the designing and fabricating cost will be reduced. Moreover, since the power modules are standardized across a plurality of different electronic devices and the size and the specification of the power modules are unified, the product development cycle can be shortened and the power modules can be flexibly expanded and highly scalable.
- While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
Claims (20)
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TW101118084 | 2012-05-22 | ||
TW101118084A TWI464568B (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2012-05-22 | Universal power supply device and modular power connecting method thereof |
TW101118084A | 2012-05-22 |
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US20130314865A1 true US20130314865A1 (en) | 2013-11-28 |
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US13/523,408 Active 2033-01-23 US8861186B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2012-06-14 | Power supply apparatus and modular power connecting method thereof |
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Also Published As
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US8861186B2 (en) | 2014-10-14 |
TW201348937A (en) | 2013-12-01 |
TWI464568B (en) | 2014-12-11 |
EP2667283A1 (en) | 2013-11-27 |
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